11/06/2012
June 9th.
It's our last day at the OECD and we have to be at our area from 9-noon should a category judge want to talk to us again. The crew is very lethargic today because of time differences and the fact they have had little "down" time since we've arrived.
Three judges for teamwork stop by our pit right at nine. The crew answered questions but were not as enthusiastic as in the past few days. After they left mrs. Gabrielson pulled them into energy circle activities. It really got interesting when We asked Israel to join us! Expanded circle, singing, dancing and pictures ensued for the next fifteen minutes. At least four kids stayed by the table all morning with side jaunts to meet others and take goodbye picture and get correspondence options finalized.
We we
Nt into the robot performance arena to watch the top eight teams compete. Wow the energy was intense! We just cheered for every country with American flags and Sheldon faces to root for teams. Hilarious how many kids from around the world know Sheldon Cooper! It was a conversation great ice breaker.
A few girls, john and mr. Carlson went for a gellato break and some shopping. Mr. Carlson earned some serious points for doing that so three could stay with two coaches to watch the intense robot matches. The first group got back just in time to see the last one for the championship between China and Japan. The kids on the big screen looked so stressed. So much pressure for them as they represented their country. China took the top spot but everyone congratulated Japan as well. Fantastic gracious professionalism exhibited.
John Stevens won the spot to represent the Corn Stalkers when collecting participation medals at the closing ceremonies which began at 3:30. He also sweetly accompanied a very young participant from down under(Australia) who was terrified about going in alone. She held onto his fungus costume tightly. Way to go John! We came in shortly after and then John joined us just before final entertainment and awards presentations started. there were drummers, dancers, cheerleaders and speakers. The Moovers from Illinois earned a top inspiration award! We proudly stood with USA to recognize them. Same for the CA tem when they won for mission design. Malaysia won the biggest award and all agreed deservedly. Amazing camaraderie in that space!
Then it was back to our pit to clean up and get one last picture with our friends from Israel whose robot and supplies had burned at the hotel. You see there is one thing I have left out. One of their sweet scarved girls had come over for a chat and we discovered when they were to return they only had one robot to work with for their group. Mrs. G did a little recon with Lunbna , their coach, to see if this was correct. We often mixed thing during earlier translations. The situation was true. So being ambassadors we decided we needed to help...that's what Americans do! We went over as a team, an NXT brick with a battery and charger inside a bag, to give as a gift so their program might continue. We presented it to Lubna, the other coach and a few of their team who was around. We explained it was our custom to help those in need and that we we inspired by their desire to continue at the event having evident fun all along. The coach was speechless, most teared up, we blew kisses and walked away. It was our second defining moment as for the purpose of our being invited to Germany!
Just before the awards, Jogi or SAP volunteer mentor had person bags for each team member. He had purchased them himself..so generous. We will find something special from the US to send back with thanks for all nis assistance.
Area cleared we waved our good-byes and schlepped our belongings back one more time. Of course we stopped for gellato to bolster our reserves for shopping. A change of clothes and the kids could choose palace and Rhine river viewing or souvenir and department store shopping. Tim and John and Mr. Carlson chose the first and the rest selected the latter. Good bargains were purchased and we all met up to make dinner plans. They all wanted ...can you believe it...pizza! Afterwards they came back and played games, told jokes, and just relaxed. We thought they would get a good last night's sleep BUT Germany won a big soccer upset against Portugal, the streets were noisy with cars and honking celebrations until almost midnight! Oh well. With bags packed, we were ready to head home early on Sunday.
